❝ No matter how quietly she spoke, the world would always spin a little slower, just to hear what she had to say❞

Loud whistles stormed around and heavy footsteps thudding against the floor, vibrated against the gym walls. Coach's shouting and commanding voice were clear as everybody sat on the bleachers, enjoying the match.

Girls cheered at their boyfriends and friends, boys hollered equally matching their spirit, while others looked ready to go on a killing spree.

Stood there at the far corner away from people, resting my body against the wall, I analyzed the crowd and found familiar beautiful faces. Casting a lone glance, I turned my attention back to the game or rather someone, who was playing.

His dark hair was messy and little sweat droplets covered his forehead. The basketball team tee he wore looked enticing and his naked arm, those bulging muscles were a breathtaking sight to see.

The way he so effortlessly and professionally moved around focusing as if he was born to play and win. As if he didn't learn to lose, could make any girl putty and fall on her knees.

I shook my head calling my senses back, when loud applause and screaming broke out. I watched our team hugging and congratulating. Coach moved by their side and patted their backs appreciatively.

He was flooded by his teammates and friends and I captured every little smile that came on his face, even that faint blush that crept up his neck when the coach started ruffling his hair in front of everyone and I laughed at the sight.

However, I instantly stopped when his eyes shifted towards me and a smirk toyed with his lips.

My god, those eyes. There was something oddly warm about them, they were burning with passion and full of life. It was crazy, how those hazel orbs were easily enough to drive me insane.

I scoffed pushing myself off of the wall, when he greeted me with a wink, before going back to his teammates. Letting out a sigh, I didn't pay another glance and began to make my way towards my friends.

~~~

"Although basketball isn't really my type of shit. That was still fucking awesome!" Maria commented about the match, pulling out a chair and falling down on it.

"Tell me about it. Their faces when they realized that they actually lost the final round too was hilarious" Nate snorted raising his hand for a high five. Chuckling quietly, Maria allowed him.

"I would've enjoyed that too, if I wasn't busy staring at your ass laughing your tits off in front of everybody" Theo retorted, when I felt a chair pulled beside me.

I didn't have to look up to see who it was, because of that fresh and earthy smell of soap lingering on his body, covered with faintest specks of addictive aftershave.

"You can't blame him, it really was funny. Wonder how much they lost cause of that bet" His silk like voice remarked as he sat down.

"You bet your ass, it was something around eight" Alex too joined the conversation.

"Eight dollar?" I asked, raising an eyebrow and he gave me an unbelievable and funny look.

"Darling, it's more like a thousand" Ethan corrected, clicking his tongue.

"Damn, how much confidence do they have or should I say I had? Poor fuckers" Maria started giggling as I rolled my eyes.

"Clearly too much," Alex chuckled.

"Can we stop their loss and focus more on food? I am hungry, playing isn't easy ya know?" Finn whined like a kid.

"Finally, someone said it. I literally feel like dying right now, let's hit the store, please? I need to buy chocolates" Kate requested with a doe -eyed look, turning to her boyfriend.

"Sounds good to me. I want some snacks too, preferably something sweet" Nodding in agreement, Nate stretched his arm lazily and clasped his hands behind his head, looking at us for our answers.

"Of course you do"

"Finn? Stop it"

"I am literally doing nothing, except feeling hungry or maybe breathing"

"Then, stop that too"

"Alright that's it guys, I am going to the store with you or without you" Kate announced and rolled her eyes, standing up from her chair.

Yawning Maria too got up, fixing her dark blue jeans "I am in, but only one of us will get to sit in the shopping cart"

"Of course, that would be me" Nate chimed happily.

"Oh please, the only place you are allowed to put your dirty ass on, is a toilet seat" Maria rolled her eyes, before giving him a stern look.

Crossing his arms on his chest with a big pout, he glared at her.

Just as he was about to say something, Sharon scolded "Shut up both of you, we can always take two carts"

"Then we'll go someplace nice to eat. I am hungry too" Ethan ordered, rubbing his palm over his stomach.

"Only if you are paying" I countered, after letting out a quiet chuckle.

He narrowed his eyes at me playfully, before shaking his head "Fine. Lunch is on me" He agreed, giving me a sly smirk.

"Oooh, I clearly need to have you close by my side. Who knows, I might need you during bad times" Nate grinned, coming to wrap his arms around my shoulder, but backed away when I gave him a threatening look.

"I have a feeling, we are going to have a crisis real soon"

~~~

The dormitory was almost empty, because of the ongoing classes as I made my way towards my room in silence. Everyone was busy in duties, classes or just hanging around outside.

Thinking about everyone and everything a small smile pulled up on my lips. The thought of his mere smile was capable of making me smile too.

Letting out a content sigh, I walked up to my dorm, but instantly stopped in my tracks, when I saw someone standing there.

Taking a step closer, I realized there was not only one, but two of them, standing more like waiting for someone there.

My mind searched for the names, but couldn't find any. Though I quickly recognized those familiar faces from quite long ago.

Frowning, I inhaled a deep breath and stepped towards them, standing just before my dorm.

"What are you doing here?"

Yup you guessed it right, I am not dead just missing.

Anyway, I am taking out my big guns for the next one, so be prepared ;) because shit is about to blow up.

And It's almost that 'New year, new me' bullshit time, can't believe 2018 is ending real soon. It has been a crazy and a messy year, at least for me.

Hopefully next year is going to be better and we'll be able to fight through. This is the beginning of anything you want, because A LOT can happen in a year.

Bye, be safe. Stay happy. Always find opportunities to make someone smile, and to offer random acts of kindness in everyday life :)

Love, Zee..